The first batch of machines with Chrome OS consists of the Samsung Chromebook Series 5 and Acer ZGB Chromebook. Except for the size of the screen, both devices share almost all specifications and are a good starting point to familiarize themselves with the proposed Google.
Operating system, Chrome OS is minimal. The storage space Chromebook is virtually nonexistent. Only 16 GB of SSD memory in which drivers are installed and the software necessary to operate the equipment. All documents are stored in the cloud via services such as Google Docs, YouTube or Gmail. In fact, this solution ignores the desktop, with the main system screen web browser, where you will find access to most used applications, settings and other online services.
Obviously, Chrome OS software is an extremely lightweight, combined with the processor fitted to Chromebook. Guarantees a dramatic improvement in the time of startup. Instead, they need an Internet connection can be a weakness in areas where no WiFi areas and 3G coverage is limited. In our view, the main difficulties will have to overcome. Chromebook are not technical, but changing the mentality of users.
Connections to a minimum
The vocation of always being connected to the Internet minimizes the need for physical connections, which are reduced to a pair of USB ports and memory card reader. Only the model Acer goes with a HDMI port that allows connection to a TV. As for wireless connections, the base is Standard WiFi 802.11 b / g / n.
The 3G is an extra, but given the need to always be on-line, its use is almost mandatory if you want to take full advantage. Although it is a bit anachronistic, we miss the presence of a network port Ethernet.
Although there are many hotels and buildings that rely on the old but reliable wiring. Moreover, the use of 3G data abroad is practically unfeasible because of its high tariffs, which is a serious problem in bringing the Chromebook to another country.
Always ready for action
One of the best points of the Chromebook is its rapid response capability. The operating system boots in under 10 seconds. Also, both teams are able to go from sleep almost instantly.
As for autonomy, the model Samsung has a more powerful battery, which gives eight hours, and average nominal autonomy. The Acer Chromebok ZGB, Slightly smaller, reaching only six hours. Remains to be seen, however, how it affects the continued use of WiFi and 3G connections to this performance.Applications in the Cloud
From the home page Chrome OS you access the main applications. Most of them are associated with Google services. The office documents such as tables, texts and databases, reside in Google Docs. YouTube is the main video player and team Picasa is given as an organizer of images online.
Gmail -- Besides serving as a mail client, brings together the functions of videoconferencing and chat through Google Talk. In the future more applications will come from Google and others. The idea is to create a market around Chrome I similar to that which already exists in Android.
For companies
During the conference Google I / O in which we have presented the Chromebooks. The firm has advanced to the console marketed with a hosted web administrator and 24x7x365 support from $ 28 per user per month for businesses and $ 20 for schools. The aim is that from this single console can be controlled accounts, applications and devices.
Since December, many companies, IT administrators and teachers are part of the pilot program to test the Chromebook. Their experience is that the battery life and 3G helps you work longer and in more places, its fast and reliable start to focus on teaching, and administration is simplified, reducing safety concerns too.
Processor inside
Both Chromebooks move through a process Intel Atom N570 dual core 1.66 GHz chip which is a low power along and with 2 Gbytes of DDR3 RAM, which offers more power required to run a lightweight operating system and applications that greater weight is on servers km away. If there can be a bottleneck in performance, it will come from the Internet.Single chassis weighing netbook
Both Samsung Series 5 as Acer ZGB does not boast of great fanfare in design. The dimensions of both units are standard in the world of laptops. The weight, however, is lower than any traditional computer, and which dispenses with some components like the hard drive of a lifetime or optical drive. And is that such computers are designed for those users who live on the Web.Acer Chromebook ZGB
• Features: Portable Google Chrome OS. LED Display 11.6 " with resolution 1366 x 768 pixels and 16:9. Intel Atom N570 dual core 1.66 GHz 2 GB DDR3 RAM. Intel GMA 3150 integrated graphics. 16 GB of SSD storage. WiFi connectivity 802.11 b / g / n. Optional 3G module. 1.3 Mpixel webcam. 2 x USB 2.0. 1 x HDMI. Card Reader SD / SDHC / SDXC / MMC. 6 hours of autonomy. Dimensions: 206 x 25 x 284 mm. Weight: 1.34 kg• Contact: Acer
• Price: $ 350
• Best: The inclusion of an HDMI port. One size most affordable and close to the netbook. The starting price is significantly lower than the Samsung model.
• Worst: Despite its small size, its thickness is somewhat larger than the Samsung Series 5. The battery life, while generous, is not as long as the model for Samsung.
Samsung Chromebook S. 5
• Features: Portable Google Chrome OS. LED Display 12.1 " 1280 x 800 pixels resolution, 16:10 aspect ratio and brightness of 300 nits. Intel Atom N570 dual core 1.66 GHz 2 GB DDR3 RAM. Intel GMA 3150 integrated graphics. 16 GB of SSD storage. WiFi connectivity 802.11 b / g / n. Optional 3G module. 1 Mpixel webcam. 2 x USB 2.0. Card Reader SD / SDHC / SDXC / CMM. 8280 mAh battery for 8.5 hours of autonomy. Dimensions: 218 x 20 x 294 mm. Weight: 1.49 kg• Contact: Samsung
• Price: $ 430
• Best: The ultra thin and lightweight housing, available in black or white. The LED screen has been enhanced to achieve a brightness of 300 cd/m2, slightly higher than the average laptop. The battery life, at least on paper, is very high. Up to 8.5 hours of operation.
• Worst: That the 3G module is optional. Should have been integrated serial connectivity needs considering. The lack of an HDMI port to carry audio / video to external devices. The lack of internal storage to support backup to the cloud
What is Cloud? Here has the answer: http://dootar.com/Android/Android-Operation-System/2011/06/30/110.html
